1. What types
of projects are eligible for cost-share funding under
this program?
Project proposals which are eligible for consideration
include design, construction, and installation of
fish screens, fish ladders, and other fish passage
devices associated with water diversions located in
Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and western Montana. Projects
may include modifications to water diversion structures
which are required for effective functioning of fish
screens and other upstream or downstream fish passage
improvements. The intent of the proposed diversion
improvements must be to reduce fish mortality, reduce
entrainment of fish in water distribution systems,
or increase subsequent survival and reproductive success
of fish species native to and present in the project
area. Designated state agencies may also submit proposals
to inventory eligible screening and passage needs.
2. What constitutes
an eligible water diversion?
Water diversions are gravity flow or pump driven
projects which divert water out of natural or altered
stream channels for beneficial uses including agricultural,
municipal, industrial, recreational, water quality
or other purposes. Culverts and tide gates are not
water diversions. Pumping projects operated to reduce
high water levels on agricultural or other lands may
meet eligibility requirements.
3. How do I determine
the presence of native species and estimate the benefits
my project improvements will have for those species?
The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service or your state fish and wildlife agency
can assist you in determining presence of native fish
and other aquatic species at your project site and
provide guidance on beneficial effects of proposed
screening or passage improvements.
4. Who may apply
for cost share funding within this program?
Local governments including counties, cities, towns,
regional governments, and service districts such as
Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Irrigation
Districts and Port Districts may apply for cost share
funding of eligible projects. Local governments may
partner with other applicants to submit joint proposals.
It is anticipated that many projects will be located
on privately held, state-owned or federally-owned
land. It is expected that the landowner or owning
agency would typically be a co-applicant in such instances.
In instances where a state agency is meeting some
cost share or other project requirements, it is anticipated
that they would be a co-applicant. Tribal governments
may submit proposals for projects on tribal lands
and may partner with other eligible applicants for
projects that are not located on tribal lands. Partnerships
exhibiting strong community and government support
are encouraged and will be given priority consideration.
5. How may an
applicant meet the cost share requirement of 35% or
more of the project cost?
The project applicant(s) must provide at least 35% of
the cost of design, fabrication, and installation
of the proposed screening or passage project. Part
or all of this cost share requirement may be met by
in kind contributions including services, equipment,
supplies, easements, fill material, disposal sites
or other project requirements of documented value.
With the exception of federally owned projects or
projects on federal lands, this cost share requirement
must be met with non-federal funds and in kind contributions.
6. What other
requirements must be met by the project applicant(s)?
The applicant(s) must
meet all other local, state, and federal requirements
for construction and operation of the diversion project
and proposed improvements including required permits
and other approvals. The applicant(s) are also responsible
for operation and maintenance costs of the project.
This operation and maintenance responsibility may
be met by the project applicant(s) or by a binding
commitment from another responsible party.
For more information
on project eligibility, please contact:
Mr. Mark Lere
Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-2432
Ms. Lynn DuCharme
Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes
P.O. Box 278
Pablo, MT 59855
(406) 675-2700
lynnd@cskt.org
Ms. Morgan McCosh
Elmer
U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486,
DFC
Denver, CO 80225
(303) 236-7862 X 286
morgan_elmer@fws.gov
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